WHAT IS JIHAD?
The word JIHAD means: Struggling and striving for the cause of ALLAH(SWT). According to the teachings of Quran and Hloy Prophet(SAW) jihad has many meanings. It can refer to internal as well as external efforts to be a good Muslim or believer.
LEVELS OF JIHAD :
There are three levels of jihad
PERSONAL JIHAD: The most excellent jihad is that of soul. This jihad, is called as Jihad-un-Nafs, is the intimate struggle to purify the soul of satanic influence. It is the struggle to cleanse one`s spirit of sin. This is the most important level of jihad.
VERBAL JIHAD: The most excellent jihad is the speaking of truth on the face of a tyrant. Raise voice in the name of Allah on the behalf of justice.
PHYSICAL JIHAD: This is combat and waged in defense of Muslims against oppression and transgression by the enemies of Allah ,Islam and Muslims.
WHY TO STRIVE FOR JIHAD OR PARTICIPATE IN JIHAD?
Jihad is for rescue of weak , maltreated and helpless men,women and children from oppressors. In chapter Nisa Allah(SWT) asks Muslims: “Why should you not fight for the cause of Allah and of the feeble among men and of the women and the children who are crying:Our Lord!Rescue us from town of which the people are oppressors! Oh, Raise for us from your presence some protecting friends! Oh, give us from your presence some defender!(4:75)
HOW LONG JIHAD SHALL CONTINUE?
Following Quranic verse clears that for how long jihad shall be continue;
And fight them until persecution is no more,and religion is all for Allah.But if they cease,then surely Allah is Seer of what they do(8:39)
IMPORTANCE OF JIHAD OR REWARDS OF JIHAD:
Jihad was also ordained in the Torah and Gospel(which has since been tempered).
No doubt Allah has bought from believers their lives and their wealth because the garden will be theirs:they shall slay and be slain.It is a promise,which is binding on him in the Torah and Gospel and the Quran. Who fulfills his covenant better than Allah?Rejoice then in your bargain that you have made,for that is supreme triumph.(9:11)
Jihad is an obligatory principle of Islam. It is the source to earn Allah (SWT`s) pleasure . Allah(SWT) takes soul and wealth of believers and rewards everlasting felicity.
Let those fight in the way of Allah who sell the life of this world for the other.Whoever fights in the way of Allah, be he slain or be he victorious, on him We shall bestow a vast reward.(4:74)